Arequipa-Colca Canyon (Cañon del Colca-Arequipa)

At a depth of more than 3400m (11,333ft), the Arequipa-Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world and almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon (1829m/6000ft). The Rio Colca winds its way through the gorge, with the impressive Sabancaya and Ampato volcanoes looming high in the background. The canyon, which is named after the Colcas (warehouses) where the Incas used to store grain in sealed vaults in the canyon walls, is dotted with flora and fauna. A highlight of any trip to the region is a chance to see the giant Andean Condor that inhabits the canyon; visitors can view these great birds soaring into the wind from the Cruz del Condor observation point. The valley towns, such as Yanque and Chivay, which have maintained their original appearance for almost 400 years, and the many pre-Inca tombs and ruins in the area, are also of interest.